Faculty of Engineering UGM has organized a Cultural Gathering in commemoration of Pancasila Sanctity Day on Monday (10/1) at Central Office.
Attended by lecturers, academic staff, and students, the event was held to reaffirm the commitment to practice Pancasila values through the reading of Loyalty Pledge to Pancasila (the state ideology).
“We are determined to maintain and practice Pancasila values as a source of strength to build unity to uphold truth and justice for the integrity of Indonesia,” stated the faculty’s Chairman of Academic Senate, Prof. Ir. Sudaryono, M.Eng., Ph.D., who read the pledge.
Since the proclamation on 17 August 1945, he explained, Indonesia has often received attacks both from its own nation and foreign parties.
The attacks, he opined, were caused by the ignorance and neglect of Indonesia towards activities that sought to overthrow Pancasila as the state ideology. Hence, the spirit of unity is needed to protect Indonesia amidst the challenges that arise.
Engineering UGM Dean, Prof. Ir. Nizam, M.Sc., Ph.D., stated appreciation for Indonesian culture and history is important not only for people studying social sciences but also for all Indonesian people, including Engineering students.
To promote cultural awareness, Engineering UGM appreciates culture by encouraging lecturers, staff, and students to wear traditional clothes on the first Monday of each month.
“The clothes can be modified to be more functional because what’s important is how we appreciate culture. Let’s prove that our faculty does not lack of culture,” he said.
On this occasion, the faculty also awarded certificates to 66 students who volunteered for Lombok Earthquake relief some time ago. For several weeks, these students were directly involved in building houses and public facilities affected by the earthquake.
“We appreciate the sincerity and kindness of the students who have helped the people in Lombok,” said Nizam.